Recovery looks different for every procedure
Because recovery depends heavily on which surgery you've had, the most detailed guidance lives on each condition's own page — that's where you'll find specific pain control plans, activity restrictions, and wound care instructions. Below are the themes that show up across nearly every procedure Dr. Rodriguez performs.
Pain control
Most procedures use a layered approach: scheduled Tylenol (acetaminophen), an anti-inflammatory like Celebrex (celecoxib), a muscle relaxant Robaxin (methocarbamol), and a narcotic reserved only for breakthrough pain. Many patients also receive a nerve block before or during surgery that can control pain for up to 72 hours. The goal across the board is good comfort with as little narcotic use as possible.
Wound care
- Incisions are usually closed with dissolvable stitches under the skin and sealed with a waterproof surgical glue (Dermabond).
- You can typically shower the day of surgery — let water run over the incision and pat dry, rather than rubbing.
- Do not submerge incisions in a pool, tub, or other body of water for at least 4 weeks, until you're cleared at your follow-up visit.
- Keep incisions out of direct sunlight for 6 months. Young scar tissue sunburns easily and can discolor permanently.
Activity
Walking is encouraged starting the day of surgery for almost every procedure — movement helps recovery. Lifting limits vary by procedure (commonly 10–15 pounds for several weeks), and core exercise is usually restricted longer than general activity. You can resume driving when no longer taking narcotic / sedating medications and you can quickly go from gas to brake pedal without pain inhibiting your movement.
Need a Mulligan?
⛳ Get Out of Chores (and Bad Shots) Free
Recovery doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with it. Dr. Rodriguez made two tongue-in-cheek "Doctor's Orders" cards you can print and use on family, friends, or your golf buddies during your recovery window — no cash value, no refunds, just good-natured permission to skip the yard work or take a smoother swing.
Post-Op Golf Pass: Good for 4 weeks after surgery. Official ruling: no bending to tee up, no grounding the club in the bunker, and absolutely no fishing your ball out of the pond. Your surgeon's orders, not ours to argue with.
Post-Op Hard Labor Pass: Good for 4 weeks after surgery (modifiable, of course). Redeemable for one (1) skipped mowing session, gutter cleaning, or heavy-lifting chore of your choosing. Coupon has no actual cash value — its value is entirely in the look on your spouse's face.
When to call the office
If it's after hours, your call will be routed to our answering service. The on-call surgeon or PA will receive your message and contact you.
For uncontrolled pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, or an inability to keep fluids down, seek urgent medical attention right away rather than waiting for office hours.